Protests Against Grassley Are OK, But They’re ‘Caustic,’ Ernst Says

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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Sen. Chuck Grassley is standing his ground.

As the Senate Judiciary Chair, he says he won't hold hearings to let D.C. Judge Merrick Garland make his case on why he should be on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Democratic protesters have been showing up wherever they can find Grassley. It doesn't matter if it's a publicly scheduled event or the events Grassley’s staff tried to keep private.

Sen. Joni Ernst said she thinks it’s “very caustic,” but that it’s OK.

“That is a right for all of us to express our opinions. But when it is stifling another person who is attempting to get their message out, somewhere you have to draw the line,” she said. “At some point, they have to understand their rights and privileges don’t trump the rights and privileges of others.”

Women with the National Council for Jewish Women hold up signs as they deliver pocket copies of the US Constitution along with letters to be delivered to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, calling on the Senate to not delay in filling the Supreme Court vacancy (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images).

Ernst talks about the pushback she’s received while out on her 99-county tour. Watch her full interview above in the April 3 segment of the Insiders.

Up next...

Census data released this month shows that 69 of Iowa’s 99 counties, many which are rural, have seen a decrease in population. This is problematic for small town residents when looking for good schools, jobs, health care and child care. Sen. Joni Ernst talks about her role on a certain subcommittee in Washington that will show that small town life for Iowans is a viable option. Click here for Part 3.

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The Insiders with Dave Price features in-depth conversations with top politicians, decision makers and influencers from Iowa and across the country. It's Iowa’s Sunday morning tradition that provides unique insight into what's happening, and it's the show that holds elected officials accountable.